Deepak Chahar speaks on MS Dhoni's leadership and his impact on the youngsters

IPL gave me the recognition, says CSK's Deepak Chahar.

Uncapped Indian fast-bowler Deepak Chahar was one of the stars who grabbed limelight during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

The Agra lad was part of the IPL 2018 title winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for whom, the pacer played 12 matches and took 10 wickets. The 25-year-old is currently spending time with his family in Agra before heading to Bangalore to join India-A team for a fitness camp.

Recently, Chahar has revealed that CSK captain MS Dhoni is behind his successful IPL 2018 outing, saying his belief in him gave him the confidence to perform well in the T20 tournament.

He further said that his hard work at the domestic circuit and the brilliant string of shows has given him the opportunity to play in the IPL 2018. The bowler also credited a hamstring injury which forced him to miss CSK’s 3-4 matches to work hard and deliver the brilliant performances in the tournament.

As per reports in Times of India, Deepak said of his IPL 2018 journey with CSK, “I did well in Ranji and other domestic tournaments and therefore, got selected to play in IPL in 2011. I wasn’t able to perform well in the tournament then, thanks to my injuries.”

The pacer further added, “Last year, I got selected to play for Rising Pune Supergiant, but never got a chance to play on the field. So this year, when I got selected for Chennai Super Kings, I made sure to utilize this opportunity. MS Dhoni’s belief in me gave me the confidence to perform well. I am happy that years of hard work and struggle finally paid off. It was a wonderful feeling to lift the trophy.”

Commenting on Dhoni, the pacer noted, “It is a lot of fun inside the dressing room where senior and junior players laugh together. Dhoni sir especially takes care of youngsters and always sits with us when senior players are sitting on the other table. He cracks jokes, makes fun of you and ensures that your morale is never low. He believes in young cricketers and this gives them the confidence to do better.”

Meanwhile, Chahar also revealed that his father – Lokendra Chahar is the most important person in his life and what he is today is only because of his him and his support. He further added, “Whatever I am today, it is all because of my father. He is my biggest support; he has always stood by my side. He’s the one who introduced Rahul and I to the game and since then he has been working hard for us.”

Deepak further went on to admit that the IPL has changed his life completely, as he has been playing cricket for more than two decades but he got the recognition only after playing in the IPL.

Chahar signed off by saying, “I have played a lot of first-class cricket, but it is only after playing in IPL that my life has changed for good. Earlier, people knew me only within the cricket circle but now I have become popular among the masses as well.”